Google Tests Smartphone Photos for Insulin Resistance Risk

Google is experimenting with smartphone photos to estimate insulin-resistance risk, potentially adding a new dimension to blood sugar monitoring. The technology, called PhotoScan, uses AI to analyze front and side photos taken with a phone camera to gauge body-fat percentage and fat distribution. Pixel phones were part of the early testing, with Pixel Watch and Fitbit devices set to receive an Insulin Resistance Trends feature.

This feature utilizes wearable data to estimate changes in insulin resistance over time. While glucose levels provide a snapshot of blood sugar at a moment, insulin-resistance tracking could reveal how well the body responds to insulin over time. If the research progresses to consumer devices, a Pixel phone could become part of a comprehensive metabolic health tracking system alongside wearables and glucose monitors.

However, privacy considerations must be addressed, including whether images stay on the device, are stored post-processing, and who can access the data. Google's research in this area highlights the potential for smartphones to play a role in blood sugar tracking, complementing existing tools.